Metro

July 22, 2005

THE REGION

Metro Allows Segways on Trains, Not Buses

The Metro board yesterday approved the use of Segway scooters on trains but barred them on buses, saying the upright, two-wheeled vehicles were handy for their riders but could be inconvenient or dangerous to other passengers.

Under rules similar to Metro's policy on bicycles, the electricity-powered, one-person vehicles will be banned at rush hour and during special events. Riders with Segways must walk, not ride them in stations and must use elevators instead of escalators.

Disabled Segway riders may be exempted from the policy with a doctor's note and approval from Metro staff.

Volunteer Guides for Panda Exhibit Sought

Friends of the National Zoo is recruiting volunteers to work at the giant panda exhibit, home to two adult animals and their cub, born July 9.

The interpreters will serve as liaisons between the zoo and the public, answering visitors' questions about the pandas and talking about the animals' biology, endangered status in the wild, management by the zoo and role in research.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and must be willing to work three three-hour shifts each month and attend a monthly meeting. The application deadline is Aug. 22, and training will begin in early September. More information is available at www.fonz.org.

The Panda House has been closed since the cub's birth to permit mother Mei Xiang and her cub to bond, and it is not expected to reopen to the public for at least three months.

THE DISTRICT

Ex-Verizon Executive to Join Mayoral Race

Former Verizon executive Marie Johns plans today to formally enter the race for D.C. mayor, kicking off her campaign by filing papers with the Office of Campaign Finance and launching a "door-to-door walking tour" of the city.

"This represents a continuation of my extensive record of service and involvement in the business, civic, and nonprofit communities of the District of Columbia," Johns said yesterday in a written statement. "It is an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to continue my efforts on behalf of the residents of this great city, and I am committed to serve."

Johns, 53, will become the third candidate to enter the 2006 race, joining council members Adrian M. Fenty (D-Ward 4) and Vincent B. Orange Sr. (D-Ward 5). Council Chairman Linda W. Cropp (D) also is considering a run for the city's top office. Mayor Anthony A. Williams (D) has yet to say whether he will seek a third term, but supporters are becoming increasingly doubtful that he will.

Humane Society Hires Executive Director

The Washington Humane Society has hired Howard Nelson, a former vice president at Fannie Mae, to serve as its executive director. The organization enforces the District's animal control laws under a contract with the D.C. government.

The Washington Humane Society cares for more than 12,000 animals a year that have been abused, neglected, lost or injured. Animals are available for adoption at its two shelters, the D.C. Animal Shelter at 1201 New York Ave. NE and the group's private shelter at 7319 Georgia Ave. NW.

Ceremony to Mark Start of NW Loft Project

A groundbreaking ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. tomorrow at the former Ibex nightclub in Northwest to mark the launch of a development of loft condominiums and an upscale restaurant.

The Lofts at Brightwood will be built at Georgia and Missouri avenues NW. Ward 4 council member Adrian M. Fenty (D) will join developer Adrian Washington of the Neighborhood Development Co. and Rodney English of the Meridian Restaurant at the event.

Hearings on Low-Income Homes Planned

The D.C. Zoning Commission will hold hearings next week on proposals to set aside a percentage of new housing units built in the city for lower-income households.

Known as inclusionary zoning, the programs under consideration would affect almost all residential developments and would allow builders to create additional housing units in exchange for reserving some homes for poorer families.

The hearings will take place at 6:30 p.m. Monday and Thursday at the Zoning Commission offices, in Room 220 South at 441 Fourth St. NW.

MARYLAND

Toddler Hurt in Fall Out 4th-Floor Window

A Temple Hills toddler suffered fractures and a possible head injury last night after falling out of a fourth-floor apartment window, authorities in Prince George's County said.

The boy, whose age was not available, was leaning against a screen window at his home in the 3300 block of Curtis Drive when it gave way about 8:15 p.m., said Mark Brady, a spokesman for the county's fire-rescue department. The boy fell about 40 feet onto hard dirt, Brady said.

At least one of the boy's parents was in the home at the time, Brady said. The boy was flown to an area hospital.

VIRGINIA

Man Dies in Fairfax Motorcycle Crash

A Lorton man died early yesterday after his motorcycle hit a curb in the Burke area, and Fairfax County police said they believe he had been drinking.

James Cramer Rose, 43, of the 8400 block of Lazy Creek Court was driving a 2005 Harley-Davidson motorcycle south on Rolling Road, police said. About 1:10 a.m., Rose apparently lost control of the bike near Barnack Drive, hit a curb and was thrown from the vehicle, they said.

Rose died at the scene. Police said they believe that Rose was speeding and that alcohol contributed to the crash.

Washington and Lee President to Leave

Thomas Burish will step down from the presidency of Washington and Lee University to become provost at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. Burish, a clinical psychologist and an alumnus of Notre Dame, has been president at Washington and Lee in Lexington, Va., since 2002 and was provost at Vanderbilt University for nearly a decade before that.

"If there's no police officer around and someone is sitting there, sweating and rifling through a backpack, someone needs to speak up loudly."

-- James Cavanaugh of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on the need to watch for possible terrorist activity. -- A1